Thumbs Up for Ravens Fan Assaulted After Game

Joseph Bauer was pushed to the ground and knocked unconscious during a scuffle with Raider’s fans, leaving him fighting for his life.

For three painful days, the Bauer family has been by Joe’s bedside at shock trauma hoping for a miracle.

The first sign 55-year-old Bauer is still hanging on was the thumbs up he gave doctors.

An overwhelming relief, his sister told WJZ, as his family stays focused on his recovery three days after a fight at the Ravens game left the longtime season ticket holder with a traumatic brain injury.

“The family members had to watch this traumatic event, and now they’re sitting in the hospital while their family member is fighting for his life,” said Baltimore Police Spokesman Jarron Jackson.

Bauer is a former marine and a father of two. He also has worked at Schuster Concrete for decades. His sister says the company has been nothing but supportive as he heals from his injuries.

Thirty-year-old Scott Smith and 31-year-old Andrew Nappi, both from New York, face assault charges for the fight.

Bauer’s family told WJZ the two men were upset when Bauer let someone in front of him in line for the concession stand.

Charging documents obtained by WJZ say later on, the fight escalated when Bauer threw a bottle. That’s when Nappi allegedly punched Bauer in the face and Smith pushed him to the ground, knocking him unconscious.

WJZ learned Smith is on unpaid suspension from his job as a firefighter in Mount Vernon, New York.

“All I can say is we’re surprised saddened and we hope that the person who was injured comes out well,” said Mount Vernon Fire Chief Al Everett.

Doctors are cautiously optimistic about Bauer’s progress, with family at his side.

Bauer’s sister told WJZ their family is deeply touched by the support they’ve received from the Ravens and Marylanders all over.

Both of the suspects are out on bail, but are due back in court in Baltimore at the end of the month.

Devin Bartolotta joined the WJZ Eyewitness News team in July of 2016 as a general assignment reporter.
She comes to Baltimore after three years reporting, anchoring, and producing at KTTC-TV in Rochester, Minnesota.
Devin is a three-time EMMY...